“It feels like a miracle,” Ulundi-born Anele Mbatha said on graduating despite his health challenges.

Mbatha graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Further Education and Training) on Wednesday, 9 December 2020.

He decided to study at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) since it is closest to home. It was going to be easy for his mom to travel to the university in the event of her son having any complications since he is partially sighted and suffers from sore feet.

Amid the problems with his health, Mbatha was able to complete his studies in record time. Sadly, early this year, things took a turn for the worst when his brother, the only source of livelihood that the family had, passed on in a car accident. That was a very difficult time for the entire family.

His graduation was a joyous occasion for his family since he is the first person to obtain a university qualification. After the loss of his brother, Mbatha is also a beacon of hope for his family. He is going to be teaching English and Life Orientation in FET phase. He chose to become a teacher because of the challenges that learners from rural based schools face when they get to varsity such as their battle of grasping English. “I decided to take it upon myself to study English so that I can assist the learners. My dream is to go and plough (back) in rural schools and develop their English language speaking skills,” said Mbatha.

He has always envisioned himself as a teacher, despite the rumours that teachers do not earn a fantastic salary. He truly believes that for him it is more of a calling than anything else.

During his spare time, Mbatha assists grade 12 learners by providing evening classes and tutoring and assisting with English classes.

Looking back on his time as a student, Mbatha could not help but sing the UNIZULU Disability Unit’s praises. He said the staff taught him so much from being able to communicate with people to caring for others to having fun and accepting each other with their disabilities.

– Precious Shamase